Russian Revolution

Objective:Analyze the causes and consequences of the Russian Revolution including: 1)  The lack of economic, political and social reforms under the czars; 2) the impact of World War I; 3) The emergence of Lenin, Stalin, and the Bolsheviks; 4) The rise of communism in Russia.

Bolsheviks

• With the czar’s absence to the war front and the evil influence of Rasputin, the government became more inept (hopeless) and corrupt.

• Inflation and food shortages occurred.

• War casualties mounted.

• The time was ripe [ready] for revolution.

Bolsheviks

• Several revolutionary groups formed to oppose the Russian government.

• One of these groups, the Bolsheviks, wanted to establish a Communist government based on the ideas of Karl Marx.

• The leader of the Bolsheviks was Vladimir Ilych Ulyanov, who adopted the name Lenin.

•1. Which revolutionary group wanted to establish a communist government based on the ideas of Karl Marx in Russia?

•2. Who was the original leader of the Bolsheviks?

Bolsheviks

• Lenin was well-educated, an excellent organizer, and a dynamic speaker.

• A true revolutionary, he was not afraid to deal harshly with those who stood in his way.

•3. How would you describe Lenin as a leader?

Bolsheviks

•During the early war years, Lenin lived in exile in neutral Switzerland.

•He waited for the day when he could return to Russia and lead revolution.

• It was to come soon.

March Revolution

• In March 1917, 200,000 workers demonstrated in the streets of Petrograd [St. Petersburg].

• The workers were soon joined by soldiers.

• This protest led to a revolution that forced the czar to abdicate [give up this throne].

•4. What event led to the czar abdicating [giving up] his throne?

March Revolution

• The end of czarist government created a political vacuum in Russia.

• A provisional [temporary] government set up offices in the former winter palace of the czars.

• A legislature, known as the Duma, became the center of the new government of Russia.

• It appointed a cabinet of ministers to run the country.

• Unfortunately, Prime Minister Alexander Kerensky was a weak and ineffective leader.

•5. What does provisional government mean?

•6. Who led the provisional government of Russia following Czar Nicholas II’s abdication?

March Revolution

-The provisional government could not solve any of Russia’s economic and social problems.

-It increased its unpopularity with the Russian people by continuing to fight the war.

•7. What decision by the provisional government was unpopular with the Russian people?

March Revolution

• Kerensky’s government faced strong opposition from self-appointed local councils known as soviets.

• Peasants, workers, and soldiers each had their own soviets.

• By the fall of 1917, the soviets had become a powerful political force.

• The Bolsheviks dominated key soviets in Moscow and Petrograd [St. Petersburg].

• These soviets called for land reform, enough food for the people, and peace.

•8. What was the name of local councils created in Russia?

March Revolution

• In hopes of creating more unrest in Russia, German leaders put Lenin on a train and sent him back to Russia.

•This plan was hugely successful.

•9. Which country helped Lenin return to Russia?

November Revolution

• In November 1917, Bolshevik soldiers known as the Red Guards stormed government offices in Petrograd.

• The revolution soon spread to other cities, the countryside, and the army.

• After leaders of the provisional government were arrested, the Bolsheviks became the new rulers of Russia.

• They quickly outlawed most opposition parties.

Communist leader Lenin addressing Russian soldiers

•10. Describe the November Revolution.

November Revolution

• Lenin and the Bolsheviks ended the war with Germany, but at a high price.

• In the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918), Russia gave up much of its empire to Germany. (1/3)

•11. Who did Lenin and the Bolsheviks end the war with?

•12. What is the name of the treaty that allowed Russia to withdraw from WWI?

•13. What was the high price Russia paid for the treaty?

November Revolution

• The Bolsheviks seized large rural estates and redistributed the land among the peasants.

• Factories were nationalized [taken over by the government].

• Czar Nicholas and his family were executed, as were leaders of opposition political parties. [Fear]

•14. Who did the Bolsheviks redistribute the land to?

•15. What is called when the government takes over factories?

•16. Why did Lenin and the Bolsheviks execute Czar Nicholas II and his family?

Review Questions

• 1. Which revolutionary group wanted to establish a communist government based on the ideas of Karl Marx in Russia?

• 2. Who was the original leader of the Bolsheviks?

• 3. How would you describe Lenin as a leader?

• 4. What event led to the czar abdicating [giving up] his throne?

• 5. What does provisional government mean?

• 6. Who led the provisional government of Russia following Czar Nicholas II’s abdication?

• 7. What decision by the provisional government was unpopular with the Russian people?

• 8. What was the name of local councils created in Russia?

Review Questions

• 9. Which country helped Lenin return to Russia?

• 10. Describe the November Revolution.

• 11. Who did Lenin and the Bolsheviks end the war with?

• 12. What is the name of the treaty that allowed Russia to withdraw from WWI?

• 13. What was the high price Russia paid for the treaty?

• 14. Who did the Bolsheviks redistribute the land to?

• 15. What is called when the government takes over factories?

• 16. Why did Lenin and the Bolsheviks execute Czar Nicholas II and his family?